Effect of the Partial Replacement of Cement with Waste Granite Powder on the Properties of Fresh and Hardened Mortars for Masonry Applications

Granite is a well-known building and decorative material, and, therefore, the amount of produced waste in the form of granite powder is a problem. Granite powder affects the health of people living near landfills. Dust particles floating in the air, which are blown by gusts of wind, can lead to lung silicosis and eye infections, and can also affect the immune system. To find an application for this kind of waste material, it was decided to study the effect of partially replacing cement with waste granite powder on the properties of fresh and hardened mortars intended for masonry applications. The authors planned to replace 5%, 10%, and 15% of cement with waste material. Series of mortar with the addition of granite powder achieved 50% to 70% of the compressive strength of the reference series, and 60% to 76% of the bending strength of the reference series. The partial replacement of cement with the granite powder significantly increased the water sorption coefficient. The consistency of the fresh mortar, and its density and water absorption also increased when compared to the reference series. Therefore, Granite powder can be used as a partial replacement of cement in masonry mortars.

Automated summary

The waste granite powder from the production of granite can cause health problems for people living nearby. However, it can be partially used as a replacement for cement in masonry mortars, although it may affect the properties of the mortar.